Ohio State NFL early entry exodus continues

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Tyvis Powell (23) returns the interception of a Hail Mary pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Ohio State Buckeyes beat the against the Alabama Crimson Tide, 42-35.

Ohio State fans knew they were losing at least three players early to the NFL by the time Fiesta Bowl postgame interviews were wrapped up Friday.

By noon Sunday, two more Buckeyes were headed to the league as Darron Lee and Tyvis Powell declared their intentions.

Both of the latest Buckeyes to leave were initially three-star recruits from Ohio who redshirted and worked their way into being very productive college players and starters for the 2014 national champions.

Powell ended up third on the 2015 team with 71 tackles. He also had three interceptions.

Lee was fourth with 66 tackles, including 11 for loss and 4.5 sacks. He had an interception and forced two fumbles.

Three juniors previously declared for the draft: defensive end Joey Bosa, running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Cardale Jones.

Others who could be considering a jump early include cornerback Eli Apple, who mentioned two more (Mike Thomas and Vonn Bell) in a tweet following Powell's announcement.